I’ll admit, I’m generally not a fan of gift shops. My children understand that during our visits to museums, zoos, or amusement parks—where entry fees often feel exorbitant—we’re not likely to splurge on overpriced toys. After all, we can find similar items, like plastic turtles or stuffed animals, at much lower prices elsewhere.
However, last weekend, my kids discovered some Easter money from Nana, and I decided to let them indulge after a visit to a local children’s museum.
Let me begin by saying I was genuinely impressed by the museum’s interactive exhibits, primarily divided into technology and water themes. My children enthusiastically engaged with various activities, from manipulating robots to exploring aquarium tunnels and touching stingrays. The exhibits were clearly designed to be inclusive, ensuring that neither child felt marginalized based on gender. They both experienced amazing opportunities in virtual reality, making it a memorable day for all of us.
But my pride in what the museum offered quickly faded when we entered the gift shop. As my kids pondered which bug-catching kit or stuffed stingray to purchase, I wandered over to a rotating book display. As a writer and former educator, I spent several minutes examining the selection.
Prominent figures such as Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, and Thomas Edison adorned the covers of numerous biographies. Historical figures like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln were represented, along with cultural icons like the Beatles. It seemed comprehensive until I noticed the representation of women.
I found two books dedicated to women—Sally Ride and Amelia Earhart—compared to a staggering nineteen books about men. This disparity hit hard, especially after a day spent encouraging my daughter to embrace her potential in science and technology. The message conveyed by this gift shop was disheartening: 19 men to 2 women.
This isn’t acceptable. The book series “Who Was” offers a rich variety of biographies highlighting women from diverse backgrounds. The absence of notable figures like J.K. Rowling, Harriet Tubman, and Helen Keller among the offerings was glaring. I felt compelled to reach out to the museum director to express my concerns and advocate for more equitable representation.
In my letter, I praised the museum for its excellent exhibits but raised questions about the limited selection of women’s biographies. I pointed out that the “Who Was” series has a dedicated section for women’s history and suggested that figures like Marie Curie and Michelle Obama should be included. What message are we sending to young girls when they see such an imbalance in representation?
My aim was not to end our delightful visit on a sour note, but the stark 19 to 2 ratio was something I could not overlook. My daughter, like all girls, deserves to see role models in every field, especially in STEM. As Sally Ride famously said, “Young girls need to see role models in whatever careers they may choose. You can’t be what you can’t see.”
Fortunately, the museum director responded promptly, expressing regret and ensuring my letter would reach the purchasing director for the gift shop. He also invited us to a “Girls and STEM” event at the museum in the coming months, which we are excited to attend. I look forward to checking that book rack again and seeing if any changes have been made.
In conclusion, representation in all areas, including gift shops, matters immensely, especially in educational settings. It’s vital for young girls to have access to inspiring figures who reflect their potential.